Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Romain discovers that his Origin Farm has expanded to include Bountiful City, allowing him to find more resources by annexing more land.
• He decides to conduct the eighth recruitment, aiming to recruit a thousand Apostles.
• Romain plans to strengthen both the quality and quantity of his military forces.

Character Developments

• Romain's excitement and ambition grow as he envisions expanding his territory and power.
• Shasta, a Nightmare Witch, shows loyalty and concern for her fellow Witches, particularly Margaret.
• Shasta reveals her teacher's teachings about protecting Witches and not making meaningless sacrifices.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and power hunger, as seen through Romain's desire to expand his territory and strengthen his military.
• Loyalty and camaraderie among the Witches, exemplified by Shasta's concern for Margaret.
• The consequences of oppression and the struggle for survival, hinted at in the Witches' lives and their environment.

Character Interactions

• Romain and Shasta's interaction reveals Shasta's loyalty to her fellow Witches and her willingness to protect them, even at her own expense.
• Romain's manipulation of Shasta's feelings for Margaret highlights his understanding of her weakness and his own desire for physical intimacy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Romain enjoys a moment of intimacy with Shasta, expressing his affection for her and his intention to "punch the Earth to death" for her happiness.
• Romain begins his search for suitable land for cultivation in Bountiful City.
• He initiates a deep plowing plan with the assistance of the Heavy Plow and Agricultural Instructor, using five thousand Origin City soldiers to aid in the farming efforts.
• Romain dispatches additional livestock and feed to Bountiful City to support the agricultural work.
• The people of Bountiful City are astonished by the robust livestock and the changes in production methods.

Character Developments

• Romain: He continues to demonstrate his affection and commitment to his allies, particularly Shasta. He also shows his determination to improve the agricultural production in Bountiful City.
• Shasta: She struggles with her feelings for Romain, questioning if her loyalty is enough and if she should do more to soothe her emotions. She eventually accepts his advances and expresses her willingness to support him.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and Love: Shasta grapples with her loyalty to Romain and her growing feelings for him. Romain, in turn, expresses his love and commitment to her.
• Agricultural Development: The chapter highlights Romain's efforts to improve agricultural production in Bountiful City, emphasizing the importance of this endeavor for the region's prosperity.

Character Interactions

• Romain and Shasta: Their relationship deepens as they share a moment of intimacy. Shasta struggles with her emotions but ultimately accepts Romain's affection.
• Romain and the Bountiful City People: Romain's actions, such as dispatching livestock and feed, demonstrate his commitment to improving the lives of the people in Bountiful City. The people, in turn, are astonished by the changes he brings.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Papacy's Holy War Army has attracted over ten thousand believers in Kant Territory, posing a potential threat to the Black Iron King.
• Romain, the Black Iron King, refuses to grant the Papacy the right to mobilize grassroots believers, leading to a political standoff.
• Romain plans to build a cross-river bridge to connect Origin City and the outside world, but the project is currently too vast and difficult to start.
• In Bountiful City, Romain leads over forty-three thousand people in farming, cultivating thirty thousand mu of land by the end of the month.
• The lack of fertilizer, specifically peat, becomes a pressing issue for the upcoming planting season.
• Romain decides to use the army to transport peat from Origin City to Bountiful City, demonstrating his commitment to ensuring food security for his people.

Character Developments

• Romain (Black Iron King): He shows his strategic thinking and commitment to his people's well-being by prioritizing food production and ensuring the availability of fertilizer. He also demonstrates his autocratic rule and willingness to make tough decisions for the greater good.
• Jet (Deputy Commander): He understands and accepts Romain's decision to use the army for transportation, showing his loyalty and dedication to the cause.

Significant Themes

• Power Struggles: The tension between the Papacy and the Black Iron King illustrates the theme of power struggles and the consequences of political maneuvering.
• Resource Management: The focus on peat and fertilizer highlights the importance of resource management and the impact of resource scarcity on society.
• Leadership and Sacrifice: Romain's decision to use the army for transportation underscores the theme of leadership and the sacrifices made for the greater good.

Character Interactions

• Romain and Jet: Their interaction demonstrates a clear chain of command and mutual understanding, with Jet accepting Romain's orders without question.
• Romain and the Papacy: The political standoff between Romain and the Papacy illustrates the tension between divine authority and royal authority, with each side vying for power and influence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Romain implements a labor subsidy system for trackers, providing them with supplies and promissory notes exchangeable for necessities upon task completion.
• He prioritizes land measurement and flagging for spring plowing and sowing, despite facing resistance from the local populace.
• The Black Iron minister, Damon, arrives in Bountiful City to arrange a marriage for Romain on behalf of the Black Iron King.

Character Developments

• Romain demonstrates his determination and efficiency in managing Bountiful City's development, showing no interest in the arranged marriage.
• Damon showcases his eloquence and political acumen in attempting to persuade Romain to accept the marriage proposal.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and alliances between the Black Iron Kingdom and the River Valley Kingdom.
• Romain's independence and disinterest in political marriages.

Character Interactions

• Romain and Damon engage in a tense conversation regarding the arranged marriage, with Romain refusing to comply.
• Romain's interactions with the local populace are brief but stern, reflecting his authority and determination.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Black Iron Heavy Minister, Damon, visits Romain to propose a marriage alliance with the Conqueror Family.
• Romain refuses, stating he won't marry and has no need for an heir.
• Damon tries to persuade Romain, but he dismisses Damon and goes farming instead.
• Romain marks boundaries for farming and explains his agricultural methods to Damon.

Character Developments

• Romain: He remains focused on his farming and development plans, showing disinterest in political matters like marriage alliances. He expresses his desire to rule for life and considers his witches as his closest people.
• Damon: Damon is portrayed as a typical political figure, prioritizing alliances and status over practical matters like farming. He's shocked by Romain's disrespect and his unconventional farming methods.

Significant Themes

• Politics vs. Practicality: Romain prioritizes practical matters like farming and development, while Damon represents the political sphere that values alliances and status.
• Family and Heirs: Romain's refusal to marry and have an heir challenges traditional royal succession norms.

Character Interactions

• Romain and Damon: Their interaction highlights their contrasting priorities and worldviews. Damon tries to persuade Romain, but Romain dismisses him and continues with his farming plans.
• Romain and Shasta: They share a moment of understanding, with Romain expressing that he considers her and the other witches his closest people.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Romain, having established his foundation, decides to introduce advanced farming techniques to increase grain yields.
• He realizes the fear of new technologies due to the Papacy's influence and the need for a long, indirect approach to promotion.
• Instead, he chooses to "cut the Gordian knot" by demonstrating the effectiveness of his methods through action, using the Kant Territory as an example.
• Damon, a minister to the Black Iron King, visits Romain to learn about his farming techniques and is convinced by their potential.
• Romain agrees to share his techniques with the condition that he receives trade privileges.

Character Developments

• Romain: Shows his determination to spread his farming techniques, despite the challenges posed by the Papacy and the fear of new technologies. He demonstrates his practical approach to problem-solving and his unwillingness to wait for gradual change.
• Damon: Recognizes the potential of Romain's farming techniques and understands their economic implications. He also shows his diplomatic skills in negotiating with Romain and his loyalty to the Black Iron King.

Significant Themes

• Progress vs. Tradition: The conflict between the introduction of new technologies and the conservative influence of the Papacy.
• Action vs. Words: Romain's decision to demonstrate the effectiveness of his methods rather than simply explaining them.
• Alliances and Interests: The importance of forming alliances based on shared interests, as shown in the negotiations between Romain and Damon.

Character Interactions

• Romain and Damon: Their interaction highlights their mutual respect and understanding. Damon shows deference to Romain's expertise, while Romain recognizes Damon's intelligence and position. They engage in a negotiation where both parties express their needs and make compromises, leading to a mutually beneficial agreement.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Romain seeks trade privileges from the Black Iron King to expand his business across the Black Iron Land.
• Damon, the envoy, leaves Bountiful City to consult with the Black Iron King about this matter.
• Romain returns to his daily farming in Bountiful City, implementing a double-cropping system with wheat in the first half of the year and beans in the second half.
• After the spring wheat harvest, Romain plans to plant short-cycle vegetables using the trenching method to maximize peat fertilizer effectiveness.

Character Developments

• Romain shows his understanding of development and productivity, seeing the third layer of implications in seeking trade privileges.
• Damon shows caution and understanding of political wrangling, recognizing the influence of granting trade privileges to Romain.

Significant Themes

• The importance of trade privileges for business expansion.
• The significance of fertilizer and continuous cultivation for soil fertility.
• The labor-intensive nature of rice cultivation and the value of rice to the farmers.

Character Interactions

• Romain and Damon discuss trade privileges, with Damon leaving to consult with the Black Iron King.
• Romain and Seth discuss the situation in Origin City, with Seth reminding Romain to stabilize the people's hearts.
• Farmers in Origin City carefully transplant rice seedlings, showing their protectiveness towards the young plants.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gevra focuses on cultivating new rice varieties using modern breeding techniques, with each generation showing improvements over traditional methods.
• Romain returns to Origin City after a long absence, and the Fate Witch, Gevra, eagerly awaits him.
• Sana, the Fisher Girl, also returns to see Romain, and the three witches (Gevra, Sana, and Shasta) interact with him.
• Romain plans to leave Origin City in a couple of days due to ongoing matters elsewhere.
• The witches, including Gevra and Sana, drink and celebrate in the manor's main hall, with Romain observing them.

Character Developments

• Gevra continues to develop her skills in rice cultivation, showing dedication and success in her work.
• Sana, though still in training, displays her determination to improve and challenge Kao.
• Romain shows affection towards his witches, allowing them to drink and celebrate despite his usual disapproval of excessive drinking.

Significant Themes

• Dedication and Improvement: Gevra's dedication to her work results in successful rice cultivation, and Sana's determination to improve her combat skills is evident.
• Affection and Care: Romain's affection for his witches is shown through his interactions with them and his decision to let them celebrate.
• Responsibility and Duties: Romain's responsibilities elsewhere call him away from Origin City, highlighting his role as a leader with many obligations.

Character Interactions

• Gevra and Sana both express their affection for Romain, with Gevra hugging him and Sana squeezing him in a sandwich pose.
• The witches in the main hall interact with each other, drinking and celebrating together.
• The Wolf-head Witch approaches Romain to discuss the possibility of providing him with more witches, showing her loyalty and dedication to her role as a Prophet.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Romain visits Coal Iron Town to oversee steel production, ensuring it continues despite hazards and casualties.
• He inspects Meadow Pasture, discussing the importance of crossbreeding livestock and planning to import better sheep breeds.
• Romain returns to Origin City and Bountiful City, focusing on cotton planting and infrastructure development.
• He grants trade privileges to the Black Iron Royal Family in exchange for military aid and begins preparing a fleet for trade.
• Romain hires merchants Morey and Daken to sell salt and farm tools in the north, aiming to exchange them for cotton farmers.

Character Developments

• Romain demonstrates his dedication to agricultural production and maximizing resources, showing his "King of Farming" persona.
• Aki shows enthusiasm and diligence in his work, gaining Romain's trust and encouragement.
• Morey and Daken are hired by Romain, showing their willingness to take on challenging tasks for high salaries and bonuses.

Significant Themes

• Agricultural Development: Romain's focus on farming, crossbreeding, and maximizing crop yields highlights the importance of agricultural development in his plans.
• Trade and Commerce: The chapter emphasizes the significance of trade, with Romain using it as a means to acquire resources and expand his influence.
• Leadership and Decision-Making: Romain's confident decisions and ability to delegate tasks to capable individuals showcase his strong leadership skills.

Character Interactions

• Romain and Aki: Their interaction shows Aki's eagerness to learn and grow under Romain's guidance, while Romain appreciates Aki's diligence and encourages him.
• Romain and Morey/Daken: Their interaction reveals Romain's generosity and trust in his employees, as he offers them high salaries and bonuses for taking on challenging tasks.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Romain plans to increase salt and iron tool production and distribution to drive down prices and boost the economy.
• He sends a merchant caravan led by Morey and Daken to trade with pirates, successfully exchanging salt and iron tools for slaves and warships.
• The caravan returns with over ten thousand slaves and over a dozen Northern Ice warships. Romain plans to increase trade with pirates and establish trade routes with Iceland and Sea Fortress.
• The summer harvest arrives, yielding nearly 300 jin of wheat per mu, and up to 400 jin in blessed fields. Romain cancels rationing, and the surplus wheat is distributed to nearby cities, improving the quality of life for residents.

Character Developments

• Romain continues to demonstrate his strategic and economic acumen, aiming to improve the lives of his people and expand his territory's influence.
• Morey and Daken prove their competence as leaders of the merchant caravan, successfully navigating trade with pirates and returning with valuable assets.

Significant Themes

• Economic Development: Romain's focus on increasing salt and iron tool production and distribution highlights his commitment to economic growth and improving the lives of his people.
• Trade and Diplomacy: The successful trade mission with pirates demonstrates the importance of trade and diplomacy in expanding influence and acquiring resources.
• Harvest and Abundance: The bountiful harvest represents the rewards of hard work and smart planning, leading to improved living conditions for the people.

Character Interactions

• Romain and Morey/Daken: Romain entrusts Morey and Daken with leading the merchant caravan, showing his confidence in their abilities and fostering a sense of trust and loyalty.
• Romain and the Pirates: The trade mission with pirates establishes a new relationship, with both parties benefiting from the exchange, setting the stage for future interactions.
• Romain and the Residents of Bountiful City: The distribution of surplus wheat to nearby cities demonstrates Romain's concern for the well-being of his people and his desire to improve their living conditions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Romain sends a thousand tons of wheat to Bountiful City, sustaining it as Origin City's supplies from Shen'ao have depleted.
• Bountiful City's population (50,000) exceeds Origin City's support capacity (20,000), leading to monthly grain shortages.
• Romain manages Bountiful City, facing challenges due to its fragmented land and the need to train thousands of unskilled northern slaves in farming and road-building.
• The Black Iron King requests heavy plows from Romain, offering gold coins or gemstones in exchange.

Character Developments

• Romain demonstrates his commitment to managing Bountiful City, despite its challenges and his disdain for the slaves' stupidity.
• The Black Iron King shows interest in improving farming efficiency, acknowledging the effectiveness of heavy plows and fertilizers.

Significant Themes

• Order and Civilization: Romain believes in the importance of order and civilization, comparing the complexity of Bountiful City's population to a Gordian knot that needs to be cut.
• Resource Management: The chapter highlights the importance of resources (grain, slaves, iron farm tools, heavy plows) in maintaining and expanding Romain's territory.
• Power Dynamics: The relationship between Romain and the Black Iron King is explored, with the King requesting aid from Romain, acknowledging his power.

Character Interactions

• Romain interacts with the court envoy from the Black Iron King, negotiating the terms of providing heavy plows.
• Romain's thoughts reveal his frustration with the slaves' lack of skills and his determination to improve their efficiency through training and absorption into Bountiful City's population.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Black Iron Royal Family possesses vast wealth, including gold coins and gems like sapphires, which they trade with Romain for iron Farm Tools and Heavy Plows to boost their agriculture and war potential.
• After the Battle of Spring Rain, Romain receives resources, including gems, which he uses to replenish his reserves.
• A hundred auxiliary Witches, led by Mona, arrive at Bountiful City seeking refuge with Romain.

Character Developments

• Romain demonstrates his strategic thinking and willingness to accept powerful allies like the Witches.
• Mona, the Witch of Misty Times, shows her political acumen and understanding of her own limitations, making her a valuable asset to Romain.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The exchange of resources and tools highlights the power dynamics between the Black Iron Royal Family and Romain, with both sides benefiting from the deal.
• Alliances: The arrival of the Witches underscores the importance of alliances and the strategic value of having powerful allies.
• Limits of Power: Mona's explanation of her powers emphasizes the limits of even powerful individuals and the need for strategic planning.

Character Interactions

• Romain and Mona: Their interaction establishes a mutual respect and understanding, with Mona recognizing Romain's unique qualities as a king and Romain appreciating Mona's perceptiveness and willingness to help.
• Romain and the Black Iron Royal Family: Their exchange demonstrates a mutually beneficial relationship, with both parties willing to make deals that benefit their respective interests.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mona's time magic is introduced, allowing her to control the flow of time within a certain range.
• The chapter discusses the limitations and potential of Mona's magic, its effectiveness against powerful beings, and its susceptibility to external interference.
• Romain suggests using Mona's magic to accelerate plant growth for Gevra's agriculture.
• Mona declines Romain's offer to stay, citing Cangyue's need for protective forces.
• The Time-Lost Witch requests Romain's military aid for Cangyue, but Romain responds, "It's not time yet."

Character Developments

• Mona: Shows her magic's capabilities and limitations, maintains her independence, and expresses her commitment to Cangyue's defense.
• Romain: Demonstrates his strategic thinking by suggesting using Mona's magic for agriculture, shows interest in Mona's power, but maintains his mysterious and reserved demeanor.
• The Time-Lost Witch: Expresses her bitterness and desperation, hoping for Romain's help, and understands the irony of Romain's response.

Significant Themes

• The power and limitations of magic, particularly time magic.
• The struggle between spellcasters and knights/transcendents, highlighting the need for spellcasters to adapt their strategies.
• The importance of timing and patience in war and strategy, as exemplified by Romain's response.

Character Interactions

• Mona and Romain: Romain tries to persuade Mona to stay and help with agriculture, but Mona declines, showing her resolve to protect Cangyue.
• The Time-Lost Witch and Romain: The witch pleads for Romain's military aid, but Romain's response is vague and non-committal, maintaining his enigmatic character.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Romain receives a large number of magical scrolls from the Time Witch's supporting witches.
• He establishes schools and a hospital in Origin City and plans to do the same in Bountiful City.
• The caravan from Origin City makes several trips to the northern front lines, purchasing retired warships from pirates.
• Origin City's fleet engages in salt and iron trade, injecting new vitality into the Black Iron Land's stagnant commerce.
• The first batch of rice is harvested in Origin City, with an average yield of 140 jin per mu.
• Bountiful City prepares for its wheat harvest, with Romain overseeing the process to avoid mistakes.

Character Developments

• Romain demonstrates his strategic thinking and long-term planning, focusing on education, healthcare, and commerce to develop his territories.
• He shows no concern for common people's opinions, believing that "all blessings, great or small, are from the ruler."

Significant Themes

• The importance of knowledge and education for societal development.
• The impact of commerce on the Black Iron Land's stagnant economy.
• The role of a ruler in providing for and managing their subjects.

Character Interactions

• Romain interacts with his assembled officers, emphasizing the importance of the wheat harvest and the need for no mistakes.
• He observes the Slaves working in the fields, showing empathy but no verbal encouragement.
• The Slaves and soldiers work together to harvest, thresh, dry, and store the grain, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bountiful City's harvest is better than expected, with nearly twenty million jin of wheat.
• The people of Bountiful City experience a spiritual awakening after the harvest celebration, realizing the improvements in their living conditions and the city's infrastructure.
• The city's roads and houses have been significantly improved, with the people recognizing their own contributions to these developments.
• The distribution of houses begins, with each family receiving a house and a plot of land based on their work ethic and family size.

Character Developments

• Romain (Great Master): Although not physically present, his benevolent policies and decisions are the driving force behind the city's improvements and the people's awakening.
• Number Three White (Farmer): White experiences a profound change in his mindset, feeling gratitude and a sense of purpose after receiving a house from the Great Master. He vows to work harder and be more diligent.

Significant Themes

• Awakening and Self-Realization: The people of Bountiful City awaken from their numb, directionless lives and begin to understand the purpose of their labor and the improvements in their living conditions.
• Reward and Recognition: The distribution of houses serves as a reward for the people's hard work, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment.
• Hope and Belonging: The houses provide the people with a sense of hope, belonging, and roots, encouraging them to work harder and contribute to the city's prosperity.

Character Interactions

• Little Master (Romain's Representative): The Little Master interacts with Number Three White, explaining the Great Master's decision to give him a house and outlining the rewards for his hard work.
• Number Three White and his Family: White and his family react with gratitude and disbelief upon receiving their house, with White feeling a deep sense of guilt for his past laziness and vowing to work harder.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bountiful City's initial settlement and infrastructure development.
• Romain adjusts the city's model to accommodate its fragmented terrain.
• First planting season focuses on vegetables and garlic for health benefits.
• Origin City dispatches another construction team to Bountiful City.
• Romain sends envoys to Iceland to negotiate wool trade, threatening cooperation with pirates if refused.
• Romain begins conscription, planning to draft ten thousand soldiers from the combined population of both cities.

Character Developments

• Romain demonstrates strategic thinking in adjusting Bountiful City's model and threatening the King of Iceland.
• Morey shows increased confidence and decisiveness, volunteering for the dangerous mission to Iceland.

Significant Themes

• The importance of infrastructure development for a city's growth and productivity.
• The strategic value of military strength in the current era.
• The potential benefits of trade and diplomacy over conflict.

Character Interactions

• Romain interacts with Morey and Daken, entrusting them with the mission to Iceland and providing clear instructions.
• Romain's decision to conscript soldiers reflects his confidence in his military strength and his desire to expand his influence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Romain returns to Origin City after overseeing initial developments in Bountiful City.
• He meets with the auxiliary witches and discusses the cultivation of magical herbs.
• Romain visits the Witch and requests her help in the eighth recruitment, seeking young, valiant individuals.
• Over ten days, Gevra blesses Romain, resulting in a significant recruitment of Apostles.

Character Developments

• Gevra grows from a sickly child to a young, more mature Witch, understanding her spells better.
• Romain's determination to build a strong army increases, leading him to prioritize this recruitment.

Significant Themes

• The importance of youth and potential in military recruitment.
• The value of Gevra's blessings in finding suitable candidates.
• The long-term effects of harsh military training on soldiers.

Character Interactions

• Romain and Gevra's relationship deepens, with Gevra showing affection towards Romain and granting his wish for a successful recruitment.
• Romain interacts with the auxiliary witches, discussing the cultivation of magical herbs and their importance to the Witch Forest.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gevra's magic has taken effect on Romain, doubling the number of Apostles in his seven-thousand-strong army to a thousand.
• Romain initiates troop recruitment, drafting every eligible Apostle into the army, with no resistance from the populace.
• In a few days, the first batch of new recruits reaches three thousand, with plans to recruit five thousand more this year and next.
• The army is self-governing, with small squad leaders commanding 11 soldiers for training, and higher-level affairs handled by company commanders and captains coordinating with Jet.

Character Developments

• Romain demonstrates his strategic thinking and organizational skills in managing the army's recruitment and self-governance.
• Gevra shows satisfaction with the increased number of Apostles in Romain's army.

Significant Themes

• Power and Control: Romain's ability to conscript Apostles without resistance highlights his growing power and control over the populace.
• Military Might: The doubling of Apostles and the planned recruitment of ten thousand soldiers emphasize the importance of military strength in Romain's plans.
• Economics of War: The high food consumption of a standing army is mentioned, foreshadowing potential challenges and the need for a robust economy to support it.

Character Interactions

• Romain and Gevra interact briefly, with Gevra expressing happiness at the increased number of Apostles in Romain's army.
• Soldiers and potential wives interact, with soldiers being sought after due to their status and compensation, leading to a high demand for enlistment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Romain upgrades 700 Apostles to First-Tier Knights using resources.
• He decides to excavate a canal from Origin City to nearby towns for resource transport, flood control, and population dispersal.
• Over ten thousand laborers, including farmers, begin digging the canal, which is planned to be 40-50 kilometers long and 20 meters wide.
• The caravan returns from Iceland with a large amount of wool and Icelandic sheep, and Hoss, Morey's brother, seeks refuge with Romain.

Character Developments

• Romain demonstrates his strategic thinking and leadership by initiating the canal project and upgrading his Apostles.
• Hoss, once arrogant, is now humble and desperate, seeking refuge with Romain after his failed attempt to assassinate the Holy See.

Significant Themes

• Leadership and Vision: Romain's ability to inspire and guide people towards a common goal is highlighted as he leads the canal excavation project.
• Resource Management: The importance of resources, both material (like wool and sheep) and human (like laborers), is emphasized as Romain uses them strategically for the canal project and army upgrades.

Character Interactions

• Romain and Gevra: Gevra admires Romain's leadership and kindness, while Romain reflects on his role as a leader, comparing himself to the sun.
• Romain and Hoss: Romain shows mercy to Hoss, allowing him to stay in Origin City, acknowledging Hoss' past help in warning him about Morey's predicament.
• Romain and Morey: Morey successfully completes his mission in Iceland, pleasing Romain, and brings back his brother, Hoss, seeking refuge with Romain.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Conqueror and the first King of Iceland united to pacify Igo a century ago.
• The Conqueror's treasury, filled with rare treasures, is believed to be hidden in Igo, Cangyue, or the Desert Royal Court.
• The Pereya merchant family, secretly assisting the banished witches, was exposed, and their heads, Celine and Cassandra, disappeared.
• Hoss, Celine's son, learns about the Conqueror's treasure map and seeks the King of the River Valley's help to prevent his father and sister from obtaining the treasure.
• Romain, the King of the River Valley, focuses on textile production, planning to import a million pounds of wool from Iceland.
• Shasta reveals that Cassandra, Celine's daughter, is a witch from the Witch Forest and a student of the Prophet, and she believes in the existence of the Conqueror's treasury and the Dragon Race in Igo Land.

Character Developments

• Hoss shows ambition and ruthlessness, willing to betray his family for power.
• Romain demonstrates practicality and caution, focusing on tangible goals rather than uncertain treasures.
• Shasta displays loyalty to Romain and belief in his destiny, encouraging him to pursue the Conqueror's treasury and the Dragon Race.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and power: Characters like Hoss and Cassandra are driven by the desire for power and wealth, while Romain focuses on building his kingdom through practical means.
• Legacy and destiny: The Conqueror's legacy and the potential existence of the Dragon Race in Igo Land raise questions about destiny and the characters' roles in shaping their futures.
• Trust and betrayal: The relationships between family members, such as Hoss's betrayal of his family, highlight the themes of trust, loyalty, and betrayal.

Character Interactions

• Hoss and Morey: Hoss's ambition clashes with Morey's caution, leading to tension between the brothers.
• Romain and Shasta: Shasta's loyalty and belief in Romain's destiny lead her to encourage him to pursue the Conqueror's treasury and the Dragon Race.
• Cassandra and the Witch Forest: Cassandra's actions and the witches' suspicions of her hint at a complex relationship within the Witch Forest.